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Insomniac: We Can Get More Out Of The PlayStation 3

Ben-Dutka 33 Comments

It seems that no developer is calling for a hardware upgrade. The latest to defend the current generation is Resistance developer, Insomniac.

Senior designer Cameron Christian and writer Jon Paquette spoke to CVG about this week's hotly anticipated sequel, and the duo was asked if the PlayStation 3 was showing its age. Christian first said the machine has plenty left in the tank and as time goes on, they're "finding better ways to optimize and better ways to program for it." Than Paquette said something we always say:

"You remember when the PS2 first came out? The games that came out at the end of that cycle, when people got better at using the hardware, improved. So I think there's still a lot of life in there."

When asked if they'd like to see the current consoles survive for another few years, Christian replied:

"Definitely. We can focus more on content at the moment because we understand the hardware. I think that's big. Being more efficient is one of the big things. Being more efficient, figuring out new tricks to get better looking graphics… we can keep pushing that I think."

Paquette added that there's "too much console rollover," which makes it tough for designers to become experts with any given machine. This is something we hear on a frequent basis from developers, as one can spot the visual upgrades throughout each generation. Also, from a gamer's standpoint, we really don't need the PS4 just yet, so…just keep it under wraps, Sony. We're good for now.

Related Game(s): Resistance 3

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Resistance 3: The Final Weapon And The First DLC

Ben-Dutka 15 Comments

Resistance 3 is a fantastic game.

And if you're having fun with Insomniac's latest gem, head over to the PlayStation Blog to learn about the multiplayer features, the PlayStation Move and 3D support, the final weapon (the insane CryoGun), and the announcement of impending downloadable content.

The DLC will be ready to roll on October 4; it's The Survival Pack and delivers a new game mode for the multiplayer: Invasion. Both teams will have to divide resources to simultaneously hold control locations on the map; the longer you hold those nodes, the more points you'll receive (sounds a bit like Domination). Also, you'll get four new skins of the various Survivors, plus a static XMB theme. The DLC will cost you $3.99.

Finally, the developers will release a game patch on that same date (October 4), which is for everyone and will bring us two new maps. Look, you gotta play this game.

Related Game(s): Resistance 3

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Resistance 3 vs. Dead Island: Gamers Have A Tough Decision

Ben-Dutka 48 Comments

We haven't given you our Dead Island review yet but rest assured, it's coming. And we already told you that Resistance 3 is awesome.

We don't want to give anything away just yet concerning Techland's effort, but you can check out some very positive reviews elsewhere. Both games in question came out on Tuesday and with a loaded fall lineup, many consumers have adopted the following position: "With so many titles I want to buy in the coming months, I really only want to purchase one this week…but which one?" Yeah, we feel your pain. It isn't easy.

While R3 is a standard – albeit intense and satisfying – FPS, Dead Island features a more open format and role-playing-like elements. It also operates from a first-person perspective but clearly, these are two very different experiences. So what to do? Well, in truth, the one distributed by Deep Silver will offer more bang for your buck, as the single-player campaign can extend as far as 30 or 40 hours. However, if you happen to get into the multiplayer in Resistance 3 , that one gets the edge in terms of longevity. And what about technical achievement?

Well, if you care a lot about such things, neither title will impress the hell out of you. In fact, if you're a classic graphic whore, you're bound to harp on several drawbacks in both, despite R3's fantastic environment and atmosphere. Or, one could consider the "X factors;" i.e., I know some people who just don't care about zombies. They really won't play anything with zombies, and they don't care about an in-depth, survival-based zombie-slayin' adventure. And then there are others who just don't play shooters. If you fall into such categories, the decision is easy for you.

But for most gamers, it's not going to be an easy decision. We might end up recommending both (we definitely recommend Insomniac's newest), and we'd hardly be the only source to do so. We keep thinking both games should've arrived a month earlier; it would've given us a bigger buffer between "the decision" and the jam-packed fall lineup. Oh, and did we mention that a couple great HD Collections come out this month? You know, the God of War Origins Collection and the ICO & Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection ? …sorry.

Related Game(s): Resistance 3

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PSXE Poll Update: Dead Island Will Need Good Reviews

Ben-Dutka 34 Comments

Last week, Techland's Dead Island got plenty of attention, and we spoke to the developer about the game's in-depth action .

However, while many are already on board, the majority of our readers say they'll need to see some reviews before becoming interested; presumably, interested enough to warrant a purchase.

Many others say they'll just pick up Resistance 3 , or would rather save their money for the upcoming fall blitz, but the zombie-infested survival title has definitely turned some heads. We're big fans of the RPG elements and the fact that it supposedly boasts 30-40 hours of gameplay. But expectations are high and Insomniac's anticipated shooter drops on the same day (Tuesday, September 6), so Dead Island definitely has its work cut out for it…how will the critics respond?

This week, it's time to talk about the aforementioned competition: Resistance 3 . The FPS genre is immensely competitive and some are saying a game like R3 can't stand up to the likes of Killzone 3 , Battlefield 3 , and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 . But do you even care? Are you already psyched? Or are you skeptical, too?

Related Game(s): Dead Island

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Kevin Butler Channels Braveheart For The Chimeran Invasion

Ben-Dutka 25 Comments

See? We told you Kevin Butler was the man.

Resistance 3 hits next week and we can't wait to try Insomniac's latest. And now that our favorite spokesman is back and better than ever , it's time to put him astride a horse and give him a famous speech. You wouldn't think it could work but somehow, it does. It's KB and R3. So we probably shouldn't be surprised; it's win-freakin'-win, ya know?